Zakaria Labyad has made only two sub appearances for Fulham – both defeats – and the Whites gaffer is not surprised.

Slavisa Jokanovic admitted he drafted in the Moroccan international of Dutch origin with a view to the long term.

Labyad joined from Portuguese outfit Sporting Club de Portugal in the January transfer window – but life in the Primeira Liga is far removed from the hurly burly of England’s second tier, according to Fulham's head coach.

Before that he was at Vitesse Arnhem and PSV Eindhoven, but even top-flight experience in Holland doesn't guarantee him a starting berth at Fulham.

The 22-year-old didn’t even make the cut for the final 17-man squad ahead of last night’s 3-2 defeat against Burnley, but the man who decides the teamsheet says there is still time for Labyad to make an impact.

Jokanovic explained: “It’s not strange for a big club to sign a young player and he has to wait six or eight months for a chance.

“I give Zakaria a chance to show what he can do, and we’re still checking him. This is the Championship, and it’s different to what he knew before.

“This is England and he’s a young man and we need to give him some time to adapt.

If you really think he can solve our problems in one week or even one month - this is not realistic.

“I need to work with him and give him the right instruction and he needs to push for a place in the squad."